The unit of solid angle is steradian. What is the dimensional formula for steradian?
A.\[\left[ {{L^1}{M^1}{T^{ - 1}}} \right]\]
B. \[\left[ {{L^0}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
C. \[\left[ {{L^2}{M^{ - 1}}{T^1}} \right]\]
D. \[\left[ {{L^{ - 2}}{M^1}{T^0}} \right]\]
Answer
298.2k+ views
Hint: Hint- Solid angle can be considered as a 3D analogue of a plane angle. It is given by the equation
\[\omega = \dfrac{A}{{{R^2}}}\]
Complete step by step answer:
Solid angle is a three-dimensional angle subtended by any object. The unit of solid angle is steradian.
Solid angle can be considered as a 3D analogue of a plane angle. It is given by the equation
\[\omega = \dfrac{A}{{{R^2}}}\]
Where $\omega $ is the solid angle, \[A\] is the area and $R$ is the radius.
Therefore, dimension of solid angle, $\left[ \omega \right]$ can be written as
$\left[ \omega \right] = \dfrac{{\left[ A \right]}}{{{{\left[ R \right]}^2}}}$
Dimension of area $\left[ A \right]$ is \[\left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
Dimension of square of radius ${\left[ R \right]^2}$ is \[{\left[ {{L^1}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]^2} = \left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
Therefore, dimension of solid angle, $\left[ \omega \right]$ is
$
\left[ \omega \right] = \dfrac{{\left[ A \right]}}{{{{\left[ R \right]}^2}}} \\
= \dfrac{{\left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]}}{{\left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]}} \\
= \left[ {{L^0}{M^0}{T^0}} \right] \\
$
Which means solid angle is a dimensionless quantity. Since steradian is the unit of solid angle. It’s dimension is same as \[\left[ {{L^0}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
Thus, the answer is option B
Note: Even when a quantity is dimensionless it can still have a unit. For example, plane angle is a dimensionless quantity but it has a unit which is angle. Similarly, solid angle is a dimensionless quantity but it has a unit which is steradian represented by the symbol $sr$
\[\omega = \dfrac{A}{{{R^2}}}\]
Complete step by step answer:
Solid angle is a three-dimensional angle subtended by any object. The unit of solid angle is steradian.
Solid angle can be considered as a 3D analogue of a plane angle. It is given by the equation
\[\omega = \dfrac{A}{{{R^2}}}\]
Where $\omega $ is the solid angle, \[A\] is the area and $R$ is the radius.
Therefore, dimension of solid angle, $\left[ \omega \right]$ can be written as
$\left[ \omega \right] = \dfrac{{\left[ A \right]}}{{{{\left[ R \right]}^2}}}$
Dimension of area $\left[ A \right]$ is \[\left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
Dimension of square of radius ${\left[ R \right]^2}$ is \[{\left[ {{L^1}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]^2} = \left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
Therefore, dimension of solid angle, $\left[ \omega \right]$ is
$
\left[ \omega \right] = \dfrac{{\left[ A \right]}}{{{{\left[ R \right]}^2}}} \\
= \dfrac{{\left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]}}{{\left[ {{L^2}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]}} \\
= \left[ {{L^0}{M^0}{T^0}} \right] \\
$
Which means solid angle is a dimensionless quantity. Since steradian is the unit of solid angle. It’s dimension is same as \[\left[ {{L^0}{M^0}{T^0}} \right]\]
Thus, the answer is option B
Note: Even when a quantity is dimensionless it can still have a unit. For example, plane angle is a dimensionless quantity but it has a unit which is angle. Similarly, solid angle is a dimensionless quantity but it has a unit which is steradian represented by the symbol $sr$
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

